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RACE REPORT:

Gunning – 28th June

Judging by the numbers who turned up to race on Sunday you could have been forgiven for thinking the race committee had scheduled a 170km event across cobles with a number of categorised climbs. But no, it was a standard Shingle Hill Way return followed by two laps out to Lake George.

As only 18 of the hardest of hard men turned up to race there was some discussion amongst the race committee and director about whether the existing race should continue. Ultimately it was decided that we would run a secret handicap over a course that featured three laps out to Lake George, approximately 36kms. It was thought this would give the best chance of bunching riders together, at least for the start.

Although the skies were threatening and there was a little wind about, conditions on the bike really weren’t that bad. In fact a number of riders stopped by the van to shed same layers after completing the first lap. After the strong start by Steve Crispin, these riders must have thought they were already out of the running even though the handicaps were not know.

Other than Steve riding off the front of the bunch, most riders found a small group to ride with, maybe the exception being Dale Kleeman and Dom Rideaux who trundled a couple of laps by themselves. In a tribute to the tough man attitude of the riders, we only had on DNF for the day, a very solid effort.

Graham Hendrie did a great job on the handicapping with first and second place being separated by only 3 seconds with Steve taking the win. Terry Merrigan was very animated when he found out 3 seconds separated him from glory. Dave Mullens managed third place with a 50 second gap to fourth place after pacing himself well with the remnants of A grade riders.

Thank you to the marshals who helped out on the day. Whilst those riding bikes were able to stay warm, it was decidedly cold for those standing around doing the turning points and finishing line. I don’t think Graham got much relief sitting in the back of the van either!

Thanks to:

• Ed Garnett – Lead Car

• Keith Joliffe – Trail Car

• Bruce Jones – Lake George turning point – must have been cold and lonely down there